Cpl. Lainhart competes in Triathlon on anniversary of bombings
August 30, 2022 at 8:24 p.m.
Dearborn County native Kelsee Lainhart was among the wounded in the Kabul bombings that claimed the lives of 13 American service members on August 26, 2021.
This past weekend marked the one-year anniversary, and Lainhart, who was left paralyzed in the attack, decided to compete in the Chicago Triathlon.
"I really just did this to honor the 13 soldiers that didn't come home. Since it is one day past the one-year anniversary, it feels pretty good to honor them in this way," Lainhart said.
With family and friends cheering her on, the East Central graduate competed in the swim, hand cycle and racing chair stages, and it was a proud moment for her parents when she crossed the finish line.
"Where she was at a year ago and where she is today, it is night and day," her father, Glen Lainhart, said as he held back tears. "To see how far she has come along with her strength and mobility, and the independence she has, we are just very proud."
The same fighting spirit she needed to complete the triathlon is the same spirit she uses to recover and get stronger every day, as she remains in Chicago rehabbing. She has made enough progress to be able to return to Southeast Indiana a few weekends each month.
"I just want to thank anyone who has ever supported me, ever donated money, sent cards or letters, I definitely didn't expect that kind of outpouring of support and I really appreciate it, it's meant a lot to me and my family," Kelsee said.
One thing the 20-year-old wants to make sure everyone knows is to never forget her fellow 13 U.S. soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice on Aug. 26.
"I wouldn't have competed in this race if it wasn't for it being the anniversary," Lainhart added.
Her mother, Stacey Lainhart, said the family has been overwhelmed by the generosity and support over the past year.
"It is just nice to know that there is still so many good people out there and that is heart-touching to us," Stacey said. "We just want the community to remember the 13 that were killed in action that day, there is a lot of families hurting right now and we ask you to keep praying for them and pray for complete healing for Kelsee."
In regard to any future plans, Kelsee says she is looking forward to taking a cross-country road trip.
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Dearborn County native Kelsee Lainhart was among the wounded in the Kabul bombings that claimed the lives of 13 American service members on August 26, 2021.
This past weekend marked the one-year anniversary, and Lainhart, who was left paralyzed in the attack, decided to compete in the Chicago Triathlon.
"I really just did this to honor the 13 soldiers that didn't come home. Since it is one day past the one-year anniversary, it feels pretty good to honor them in this way," Lainhart said.
With family and friends cheering her on, the East Central graduate competed in the swim, hand cycle and racing chair stages, and it was a proud moment for her parents when she crossed the finish line.
"Where she was at a year ago and where she is today, it is night and day," her father, Glen Lainhart, said as he held back tears. "To see how far she has come along with her strength and mobility, and the independence she has, we are just very proud."
The same fighting spirit she needed to complete the triathlon is the same spirit she uses to recover and get stronger every day, as she remains in Chicago rehabbing. She has made enough progress to be able to return to Southeast Indiana a few weekends each month.
"I just want to thank anyone who has ever supported me, ever donated money, sent cards or letters, I definitely didn't expect that kind of outpouring of support and I really appreciate it, it's meant a lot to me and my family," Kelsee said.
One thing the 20-year-old wants to make sure everyone knows is to never forget her fellow 13 U.S. soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice on Aug. 26.
"I wouldn't have competed in this race if it wasn't for it being the anniversary," Lainhart added.
Her mother, Stacey Lainhart, said the family has been overwhelmed by the generosity and support over the past year.
"It is just nice to know that there is still so many good people out there and that is heart-touching to us," Stacey said. "We just want the community to remember the 13 that were killed in action that day, there is a lot of families hurting right now and we ask you to keep praying for them and pray for complete healing for Kelsee."
In regard to any future plans, Kelsee says she is looking forward to taking a cross-country road trip.